The purest form of listening is to listen without memory or desire.
Wilfred Bion
Meeting the needs of gender dysphoric youth is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the mental health field today. Therapy First envisions a world where this population has access to mental health care that meets the standard of care established by major mental health associations, whose guidelines support therapy first before medical intervention.
Therapy First’s programming focuses on training clinicians to meet the established standard of care and on supporting the delivery of developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed mental health care. By doing so, Therapy First helps ensure that the public has access to care that aligns with professional best practices and the developmental needs of youth.
Become A Member
Membership is open to licensed mental health professionals who align with Therapy First’s values. Members participate in a supportive community of professionals who collaborate to strengthen mental health care for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.
As a member, you’ll have access to peer supervision groups and clinical case conferences led by leaders in the field, discounted Therapy First webinars and trainings, and the opportunity to play an active role in advancing the mission of Therapy First.
Upcoming Webinar
Therapy First’s webinars provide knowledge on developmentally informed mental health care for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.
Understanding Transition-Related Grief in Clinical Practice
Monday Dec 29th at 7pm EST
Paul Garcia-Ryan, LCSW
This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of Transition-Related Grief (TRG), including the ways in which it is distinct from detransition, as well as the clinical themes involved in therapeutic work with those experiencing TRG. Special attention will be given to the preparation clinicians need to work effectively in this area and the relevance of TRG to the mental health care provided to youth experiencing gender dysphoria.
Learning objectives:
- Explain Transition-Related Grief (TRG) and differentiate it from detransition and regret.
- Identify the emotional, physical, and developmental challenges experienced by individuals facing TRG.
- Describe the therapist competencies required for effectively providing therapy to individuals experiencing TRG
- Analyze implications of TRG on mental health care as it pertains to youth gender dysphoria
Presenter Bio:
Paul Garcia-Ryan, LCSW is the Executive Director of Therapy First and a licensed clinical social worker based in New York City. He earned his Master of Social Work from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and received advanced graduate training in LGBT behavioral health at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. Paul has spoken and lectured both nationally and internationally on developmental approaches to youth gender dysphoria. He maintains a private practice, trains clinicians, and provides supervision in this specialized area of clinical care.
Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7505. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy First is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This webinar provide 1.5 hours of CE credits.
Therapy First is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Therapy First maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Therapy First webinars are open to the public. Parents, clinicians, teachers, and all those interested are welcome to attend. Psychologists and professional counselors are eligible to earn 1.5 CE credits for participating in the live webinar.
Find a Therapist
We help connect members of the public with therapists who align with the values of the organization.